WEB EXCLUSIVE: Fresh Ground Comics celebrates its 10th anniversary

What's sure to keep you laughing, named after everyone's favorite caffeinated bean and celebrating its 10th anniversary this week? Fresh Ground Comics, a Birmingham-based stand-up comedy event. The anniversary party will be held Friday from 8 to 10 p.m. at Urban Standard. Tickets are $5, and you can learn more about the group at facebook.com/freshgroundcomics. We spoke about the event via email with Chris Davis, who has hosted and run the group since 2006.

Birmingham magazine: How did
Fresh Ground Comics get started?

Chris Davis: FGC was started by
local comedian Russell Ehrett in 2003. He saw a void and filled the need for
regular, local stand-up comedy in Birmingham. When the show started, it was the first and third Wednesday
of the month, it was free and open-mic style. Later it moved to the last Friday
of the month, started charging $5 and the comics were picked for the lineup.
The shows were already fun, but they really got better after the change. Even
for $5, the crowd makes an investment and wants their money's worth. They
became much more attentive. Choosing the comics was less dangerous than letting
every weirdo get up there and blather on. We try to give the audience the best
show we can.

BHAM: Why "fresh ground"?

CD: Russell started FGC in a
coffeehouse and liked the setting for comedy. Bars are fine sometimes, but
coffeehouses are more conducive to performances where you have to listen, relax
and enjoy someone speaking. So taking its name from the dark, pulverized beans
of Juan Valdez, Fresh Ground Comics was born! A beautiful, bouncing,
caffeinated, funny baby!

BHAM: You've had some venue
changes over the years. How have you managed to stay afloat for a decade?

CD: The show started at Safari Coffee Cup. After it shut
down, for three years we were home at The Red Cat Coffeehouse. A wonderful
venue! Red Cat cut back on doing night shows, so Urban Standard is where we
call home now! It's such a cool place to perform and they're really great!
They've got great cupcakes, coffee, salads, cupcakes, sandwiches, soups and
cupcakes! If you try one of their cupcakes and don't think it's the best, I
make you this personal guarantee! I'll finish eating it for you. You're
welcome. FGC changes as much as venues change. We write new stuff, rotate comic
line-ups each month, have new comics along with favorites, some visiting comics
from other towns and try to incorporate music and silly things here and there.
I think that's what's kept us afloat this last decade. That and our impeccable
personal hygiene.

BHAM: What can people expect
at your 10-year anniversary show?

CD: Anarchy, swap meets, alien
invasion, speed dating, break dance competitions, puppy adoptions, on-site
notary public, yo mama and, of course, the
best local stand-up comedy in Birmingham! We'll have 10 comedians with diverse
styles! That's one comic for each year, if my math is correct. We're gonna do
our best to keep providing Birmingham with the best local stand up out there.
Thanks Birmingham for all the support. Out of all the Birminghams, you're the
best! (Sorry Birmingham, England and Birmingham, Michigan.)